Presque Isle Man Shot and Killed After Police Pursuit in Two States

An hour-long police chase involving an Aroostook County man, ended in a crash in New Hampshire early Friday morning with the suspect dead.

Presque Isle Police Department

Police said 40-year-old Michael Brown of Presque Isle was driving a gold Toyota Tacoma reported stolen from an uncle and was believed to be armed with a 9 mm handgun. Brown was wanted by police for sexual assault, along with firearms and stolen motor vehicle charges.

Police in Malden, Mass. initiated the pursuit late Thursday night after they recognized the suspect and the vehicle. Massachusetts State Police took over the chase. They say the suspect fired shots at troopers and at one point drove the wrong way on Interstate 495.

The pursuit ended in Newton, New Hampshire shortly after midnight, when the suspect crashed into a tree. Massachusetts State Police say troopers then opened fire. The suspect suffered a gunshot wound, but it was not immediately clear if he was hit by troopers or if it was self-inflicted.

Brown was pronounced dead at the scene. The New Hampshire Attorney General's Office confirmed his identity Friday morning. An autopsy will be conducted.